Computer Books - Bev Russell, Library Director

(This column appeared in the July 15, 2007, Star-Herald)

Along with medical information current computer information is a real challenge for a library to keep up-to-date. If Bill Gates and Steve Jobs and other computer whiz-kids would just stop coming up with newer, faster, and supposedly better applications, the job of providing computer information would be soooo much easier. However, I can not turn back the clock, no matter how much I would like. Time marches on—technology marches on—and libraries must keep pace. Every year, we attempt to up-date our computer books although it feels like a losing battle. Here are some of our latest computer books for those of you who, unlike me, actually care to understand your computer and its software.

"Java: A Beginner’s Guide" by Herbert Schildt. 4^th Edition. This book teaches the fundamentals of Java programming. It is updated for the newest version of Java (Java SE6). The author explains why Java is the preeminent programming language of the Internet. The cover proclaims, "Essential Skills—Made Easy!" (Yeah, right.) Anyway, this is a step-by-step guide and will have you programming in Java right from the start.

"HTML: A Beginner’s Guide by Wendy Willard. 3^rd Edition. Again, this is another book that teaches "Essential Skills—Made Easy!". You will learn to code HTML and create great-looking, user-friendly web pages with ease. (These folks have never met me.) These first two books are set up as workbooks so anyone with some computer savvy and interest should be able to work through them step-by-step.

"How to Do Everything with Windows Vista" by Curt Simmons. All the new PCs now have Windows Vista as their operating software so in self-defense you’d better have a look at this book. The blurb says, "Bring clarity to you PC experience with Windows Vista…." This book will allow you "…to take full advantage of all the powerful and fun features of this revolutionary new operating system." (Fun features, hummm, probably not so much fun for me. I’d rather be golfing.)

"How to Do Everything with Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007" by Ellen Finkelstein. And "How to Do Everything with Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 by Bill Mann. Now, these guides are more up my alley. I actually use these programs and want to know more about their features although I am unlikely to actually take the time to work through the guides step-by-step. They can also be used as a quick reference guide to improve a user’s knowledge of the software.

"Microsoft Office Outlook 2007: QuickSteps" by Marty Mathews and others. This is a much shorter book in full color. Probably even better for answers to quick questions.

"Quicken 2007: The Official Guide" by Maria Langer. My daughter, who is an accountant, does not care for Quicken. I, who am not an account, love it. It is simple and easy-to-use and great for us non-accountant types. You would have to ask my daughter why she doesn’t like Quicken. My guess is because accountants are too snooty about easy accounting software. (No offense, Jennifer. Some of my best friends are accountants, and anyway you know how I feel about math in general.)

"The Macintosh iLife ‘06" by Jim Head. "A visual guide to iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie Hd, iDVD, Garage Band and iWeb." And now we have the iPhone. Do you see what I mean about keeping up with computer technology. Give me a break! The next book we purchase will undoubtedly be a guide to the iPhone.

Ok, have fun learning more about your computer and its software.

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